Welcome, Postdoctoral Scholars!
As a postdoctoral scholar at Syracuse University, you are integral to the University’s research mission and play a key role in extending and amplifying the research enterprise. Your time as a postdoc represents a great opportunity to gain skills and experience to further your career. The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs within the Office of Research is committed to supporting you both in your work here and in your professional and career aspirations. We encourage you to take advantage of a range of events, meetings with experienced career professionals, and activities designed to celebrate postdoctoral accomplishments and contributions.
- Career exploration workshops and panels centered on jobs in industry, academia, think tanks and NGOs, government, the non-profit sector, and elsewhere.
- Social events from luncheons/dinners with PIs and supervisors to more informal, postdoc-only gatherings, free or discounted event tickets, and more.
Professional development programs and credentials
The Graduate School — offers career exploration and job-search coaching appointments, as well as workshops and other programs for both academic and nonacademic job-seekers. For an appointment with Dan Olson-Bang, Ph.D., Director of Professional and Career Development, sign up in Handshake.
Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) — WiSE brings women postdoctoral fellows in the STEM fields together for valuable networking and mentorship opportunities, fostering career success at Syracuse University and beyond.
BioInspired Institute Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Program – The program focuses on development in areas important for career success and skills specific to STEM fields. Participants can earn Skill Development Badges and a Postdoctoral Associate Development Certificate.
Future Professoriate Program – a structured professional development experience for aspiring faculty. Postdocs with opportunities for independent, mentored teaching can earn the Certificate in University Teaching through participation in the FPP.
Digital Badge in Research Communication – This credential, which you can add to a resume/CV and attach to your LinkedIn profile, demonstrates your ability to communicate the nature and significance of your research, in a variety of formats, to non-specialist audiences.
External Resources
National Postdoctoral Association – The NPA offers events (webinar series, annual conference), publications, an online career center, and other resources available to Syracuse University postdocs through the University’s institutional membership.
Postdoc Academy – This multi-institutional professional development initiative provides two free online courses: Succeeding as a Postdoc and Building Skills for a Successful Career.
My IDP Science Careers – Developed for STEM postdocs to help define and pursue career goals. This tool guides users through a career assessment, exploration, and plan and give them advice on how to achieve your career goals.
Beyond the Professoriate PhD Career Training Platform– Developed by the Center for Graduate Success, this professional development platform guides Ph.D.-holders through a 4-stage program helping them successfully transition into an academic or nonacademic career. Resources such a vast library of informational career interviews are available free to postdocs courtesy of the Graduate School’s institutional subscription.
ImaginePhD – This resource is focused on helping humanities and social sciences Ph.D. students assess their skills, explore career options, and plan career goals and benchmarks.
NYAS Science Alliance – The New York Academy of Sciences’ early-career development program gives access to skill-building workshops and webinars, online courses, leadership training, and mentoring/networking opportunities. Free individual subscriptions are available to postdocs on an annual basis, courtesy of the OPA. Email postdocaffairs@syr.edu to request access.